Hello and thanks for stopping by again. Its been a while and I think that I might be ready to update this blog and maybe even come back to blogging. (I've missed all of you!)
I plan to keep this brief due to the difficult subject matter.
As you know, we lost our sweet girl Azule. The horror of her death was made worse (if that is possible) by the fact that it was two of the pack that were the attackers. To this day, I do not know what prompted the attack. We were all outside (except Callie), all was fine and literally,within two seconds, they were attacking her. Yes, I know, there is always a reason. Believe me, I have relived the incident many, many times and have no answer.
After many,many tearful conversations with our veterinarian and with input from experts on dog behaviour that our vet consulted, the decision was made to euthanize Breeze and Forest.
All the experts agreed that they would likely pick a new target and that it could be another pack member, an animal or even a person. Our veterinarian was very concerned that the pack could turn on me. Of course, my first thought was, "no, they would never do that" but then I never thought they would attack and kill Azule.
We will never know why. Was the penetrating injury to Breeze's left eye (prior to adoption) deep enough to cause brain damage as the specialist suggested? Was Forest's lack of socialization and neglect as young puppy (prior to adoption) a contributing factor? The questions could go on and on with no certain answers.
All the experts agreed that they would likely pick a new target and that it could be another pack member, an animal or even a person. Our veterinarian was very concerned that the pack could turn on me. Of course, my first thought was, "no, they would never do that" but then I never thought they would attack and kill Azule.
We will never know why. Was the penetrating injury to Breeze's left eye (prior to adoption) deep enough to cause brain damage as the specialist suggested? Was Forest's lack of socialization and neglect as young puppy (prior to adoption) a contributing factor? The questions could go on and on with no certain answers.
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| Breeze 2012 - 2014 |
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| Forest 2011 - 2014 |
I don't know what to say. I am so sorry for you. You bring up some truths there. Your kindness and generosity in taking on dogs with a unknown and difficult past means that your experiences will always be testing.The thing is you do it selflessly and therefore do not be hard on yourself. You can only do your best and you do that everyday so take a deep breath and be kind to yourself.
ReplyDeleteWe hope to see you soon but we understand if you need more time.
Our very best wishes Molly
What a difficult time for you, I am so sorry. You've done such an incredible job with your group of dogs who may have otherwise never found safe and happy homes. It's easy to forget that dogs are animals and act on instincts that we often can't understand or relate to. Thanks for the update. Everyone has their scary and sad times as a pet owner and it's always nice to know you're not alone.
ReplyDeleteI was worried that it was something like this, given that Breeze's behavior was getting a little strange. I am so sad that this happened. You gave all of them a *wonderful* life; never doubt yourself.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you. I can only imagine the level of heartbreak that this has brought you. I know that you do what's best for your pack, and your generosity in helping dogs with disabilities and difficult pasts is simply amazing.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so sorry you had to go through this. What a tragedy. Sending healing thoughts. Hope you and the rest of the pack are doing okay. Big hugs.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all - thank you for returning to update us. As sad as this news is, we are glad to hear from you. As above posters have stated, please don't doubt yourself on this. I've had mine get in some pretty serious scuffles and it is just so sudden and unexpected and scary as heck :( I'm so very sorry this happened to you, I just can't begin to imagine how hard it must have been. But please come back to blogging; we care about you and the rest of your pack! Hope they are doing well...
ReplyDeleteHi acdMom,
ReplyDelete(Sorry for my late reply! I saw this a couple days ago but I wanted to give this the time it deserved.)
I am so sorry that you had to go through this. You are incredibly brave to go on as you have, with the rest of the pack. I am glad to see Breeze and Forest have a little memorial notice here, to celebrate their lives and to show how missed they are.
Thankyou for the update. I am glad you are here too - I hope we can support you as best we can. No hurry of course, I for one absolutely understand that blogging is not always easy. If you didn't know Cocoa passed recently at the age of 8 years. I stopped blogging, really, at the end with Cocoa because it was too hard with my own associated struggle and shame from most of his life. Anyway, this isn't about me, just to say I understand, just do what you need.
Take care.
Melon
I'm so, so sorry. Please know we are all thinking of you and continue to pray for you and the pack.
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks for you and the difficult decision you had to make. I am glad that you reached out to update us - hopefully at least some of our words can bring you comfort and know that we come alongside of you to lend our support. I'm sending you hugs and prayers from Arizona. This can't have been an easy post for you to write.
ReplyDeleteWe have missed you too. I'd love to see you start blogging again - but even if you decide not to - please feel free to always stop by and read/comment/whatever. One of the great things about this blog community is you can always return whenever and will be warmly welcomed.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI know how difficult this was for you but know your vet was right. I had a similar incident years ago and had two dogs put down. I had even contacted a dog psychiatrist and she said it was not fair to the other dogs to make them live under that stress.
Know you did the right thing. Take care.
So sorry you lost Azule in such a traumatic way and had to make such a difficult decision with Breeze and Forest. Hope you and the rest of the pack are well, glad to see you blogging again.
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry that you have had to go through such a tragic and difficult time and please know that you and your pack are in our thoughts. You did what was best and that is all that we can do as humans and you provided so much love along the way.
ReplyDeletePeace, Love and Barks Always,
CK and Jozi